Introduction: England Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
The cricket rivalry between England and India has grown into one of the most talked-about matchups in the sport. These two teams have faced each other on the field for nearly a century, producing countless unforgettable moments, thrilling games, and legendary players.
In this article, we’ll walk through the full history of the England vs India cricket rivalry, from their very first encounter to recent clashes in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is). We’ll also include a detailed timeline table and interesting facts that make this rivalry special.
Table of Contents
How It All Began
The First Match in 1932
India’s journey in international cricket began in 1932, when they played their first-ever Test match — and it was against England at Lord’s, known as the home of cricket. Though England won the match, India showed promise that would blossom over time.
This match was more than just a sporting event; it was a proud moment for a nation that was still under British rule.
Full Timeline: India vs England Key Matches
Here’s a timeline of major matches and series between the two teams across formats:
| Year | Format | Series/Event | Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932 | Test | India’s debut Test | Lord’s | England won |
| 1952 | Test | India’s first Test win vs England | Chennai | India won |
| 1971 | Test | First series win in England | England | India 1-0 |
| 1983 | ODI | World Cup semi-final | England | India won |
| 1985 | ODI | Benson & Hedges Cup | Australia | India beat England in final |
| 2002 | Test | Famous Lord’s Test & Ganguly’s shirt wave | England | Draw |
| 2007 | Test | Series win in England after 21 years | England | India 1-0 |
| 2011 | Test | England dominates with 4-0 win | England | England 4-0 |
| 2012 | Test | England wins Test series in India | India | England 2-1 |
| 2014 | Test | Another tough tour for India | England | England 3-1 |
| 2016 | Test | India dominates at home | India | India 4-0 |
| 2018 | Test | Kohli shines but England wins series | England | England 4-1 |
| 2021 | Test | Series halted due to COVID | England | India led 2-1 |
| 2022 | Test | Final Test played, series drawn | England | England won Test, series 2-2 |
| 2024 | Test | India wins home series 4-1 | India | India 4-1 |
Test Match Rivalry
How Many Tests Have They Played?
India and England have contested over 135 Test matches, with results that have swung both ways over time.
- England Wins: Over 50 matches
- India Wins: Over 30 matches
- Draws: Several, especially in early years
Test Series Highlights
- 1971: India shocked England on their own soil for the first time
- 2007: After 21 years, India won another series in England
- 2012: England became one of the few teams to win a series in India
- 2016: India’s spin attack crushed England 4-0 at home
- 2021-2022: COVID interrupted an exciting series; it ended 2-2 after the final Test was completed in 2022
ODI Matches: Rivalry in One-Day Format
Clashes in One Day Internationals
In ODIs, India and England have played over 100 matches. The rivalry has been exciting in this format, especially during World Cups and ICC tournaments.
Important ODI Moments
- 1983: India beat England in the World Cup semi-final and later lifted the trophy
- 2011: Their World Cup match ended in a rare tie — both teams scored 338
- 2013: India edged England in a tense final in the Champions Trophy
- 2019: England beat India in the group stage and went on to win the World Cup
T20I Matches: Speed and Entertainment
Head-to-Head in T20 Internationals
T20 cricket has added more energy to the rivalry. India and England have been quite competitive, with India slightly ahead in the win count.
Notable T20 Matches
- 2007 T20 World Cup: Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes in an over came against England
- 2021 India T20 series win: India came from behind to win 3-2
- England’s batting firepower: Players like Jos Buttler have been game-changers in recent years
Overall Head-to-Head Stats (2025)
Here’s a summary of how India and England compare in each format:
| Format | Matches | India Wins | England Wins | Tied/Draw/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 135+ | 32 | 51 | 52 |
| ODI | 106 | 58 | 44 | 4 |
| T20I | 23 | 12 | 11 | 0 |
Note: Numbers are approximate based on current records.
Legendary Players From Both Teams
Indian Greats
- Kapil Dev – World Cup winning captain
- Sunil Gavaskar – One of the best Test openers
- Sachin Tendulkar – Master Blaster with tons of records
- MS Dhoni – Calm and clever leader
- Virat Kohli – Modern-day run machine
- Ravichandran Ashwin – Match-winner with the ball
English Legends
- Ian Botham – Dominated with both bat and ball
- Alastair Cook – England’s most successful Test batsman
- James Anderson – Highest wicket-taker among pacers in Tests
- Joe Root – Modern England’s batting pillar
- Ben Stokes – Big-match player and leader
Iconic Stadiums
In India
- Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
In England
- Lord’s, London
- Old Trafford, Manchester
- The Oval, London
- Headingley, Leeds
These grounds have witnessed historic wins, thrilling matches, and loud cheers from passionate fans.
Respect and Sportsmanship
Despite the fierce competition, the relationship between Indian and English players is full of mutual respect. Many players have shared dressing rooms during leagues like the IPL and The Hundred. Friendships off the field have helped make this rivalry healthy and enjoyable for fans.
Fun Facts About This Rivalry
- India’s first-ever match was against England
- Sachin Tendulkar’s first Test hundred was in England
- James Anderson has taken more wickets against India than any other team
- MS Dhoni’s last ODI century came against England
- Virat Kohli’s 2018 England tour was one of the best of his career
Final Thoughts
The England vs India cricket rivalry is one of the richest stories in the sport. It’s packed with history, drama, emotions, and world-class performances. Whether it’s a five-day Test at Lord’s or a thrilling T20 at Wankhede, these two teams never fail to entertain.
Fans from both countries look forward to each match with excitement, knowing that something special is always around the corner. With new stars emerging and legends still shining, the next chapter of this epic rivalry is sure to be just as exciting.